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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to end things after unannounced visits and other red flags?

244 replies

ThatPeachFawn · 30/07/2026 20:59

I’ve been dating a man for around six weeks. For info he is 62 and I’m 42. it’s been nice but there’s a couple of red flags now. Twice now he has showed up to my house unannounced. Both times I’ve been relaxing in my garden so he’s let himself in the garden gate , walked up to the back of the garden to the seating area and surprised me! The first time I was polite and offered him a cup of tea but the second time I was sitting in the sun reading my book and he just appeared then proceeded to sit down!! I actually felt quite annoyed. Does anyone else think this is a bit of a red flag? The other red flag I have is that he has as he calls it ‘a toxic ex wife’ and an adult daughter who doesn’t speak to him. AIBU to break it off?

OP posts:
Bristolandlazy · 31/07/2026 10:47

Good for you giving dating ago, bad luck he was a strange one. I have dated a date bit and haven't ever met a man who tried to order for me.
The walking in the garden thing is crazy, I wouldn't do that at my parents house, yet alone someone I was dating, that's way over the line.
You gave it a go and figured out pretty quickly he's not for you.
Happy to hear you're getting a lock for your gate and staying safe.
Happy dumping!

CypressMoon · 31/07/2026 10:50

ThatPeachFawn · 31/07/2026 09:29

Omg yes - that’s also what he wants to do. If I say I don’t want him to order for me he’ll say well let’s get starters and a main between us and we can share it. But then he suggests the meals we’ve to share!! It’s like he doesn’t want me to make a decision on my own. My ex partner was nothing like this and we split just because we drifted apart and wanted different things so I just wanted to be absolutely sure that this isn’t what normal men are like! 😐

That is one of the most repulsive things a man can do. Ordering for you. It's a sign he doesn't understand you are a person in your own right, with your own preferences.

I had a uni boyfriend - very handsome, very clever, ended up exceedingly rich and famous. I remember him suggesting we move in together after uni, to where he had landed a job. I said I didn't want to live in that town. He was so hurt and perplexed until I asked if he would move towns to be where I worked. The look of confusion as the penny dropped, that he was expecting me to do something willingly that he'd never contemplate doing.

We split up.

MustTryHarderAndHarder · 31/07/2026 10:54

bettyrubble99 · 30/07/2026 21:02

The ex wifes are always toxic when they can no longer control them...

Not always. My lovely husband of 20 years did have an toxic ex wife.

FriendlyMedusa · 31/07/2026 10:55

To be honest I was ready to say "yes, run" when I saw your respective ages.

Reading further I understand exactly why the CF is trying it with women 20 years younger.

GeneBelcher · 31/07/2026 11:00

The other red flag is that he's 20 years older than you

Floatlikeafeather2 · 31/07/2026 11:11

FrauPaige · 31/07/2026 08:29

I'm sorry, I don't follow

@Naunet put it better.

SleepingStandingUp · 31/07/2026 11:15

i don't understand.

you know he has red flags
you know he's as best entitled and presumptive.

do you think people will say "yes op, yabi to break it off cos once you've slept with a guy once, you're bound to put up with his crap forever"?

Travelban · 31/07/2026 11:16

godmum56 · 31/07/2026 07:51

I don't see how you can say it typical, I have never done it, would never do it and neither does anyone I know unless they are really really longstanding friends and have been told to. Everyone I know keeps their garden entrances locked unless there is a reason to leave it open, eg gsrdener day or window cleaner day.

I agree - now we have mobile phones and wattsaps it really is just a matter of being polite to send a text and say 'hey are you about, just passing by?'. None of us in our 50s and 60s are from an era where there weren't phones you could use. I come from a much more "traditional" culture and even there and back then turning up unannounced was unheard of. Just didn't happen ever. It is controlling full stop!

I agree with anyone else, OP, be firm and cut it off.

FrauPaige · 31/07/2026 11:21

Floatlikeafeather2 · 31/07/2026 11:11

@Naunet put it better.

And my answer to @Naunet stands: age matters if OP is looking for a life partner, but not if she is looking for a dating partner.

It's all moot if he is not right for her, which appears to be the case. OP needs pump the brakes, slow that tentative return to dating down, and figure out why she was attracted to this man (it was not OLD, he did not have misleading photos, she met him IRL) and also work out why she couldn't tell him not to visit unannounced, or that she will choose her own food in a restaurant. That should be the focus.

Corvidsarethebest · 31/07/2026 11:25

Get yourself on Burned Haystacks Dating Method on Facebook or buy the book.

You need it urgently to start spotting the red flags immediately before you even have more than one date. One unexpected 'popping in' should have been enough.

Corvidsarethebest · 31/07/2026 11:27

Burned Haystacks is also amazing as a support network of women also dating and looking out for things- it can feel lonely.

I met someone through this method.

WerewolfOfLoudon · 31/07/2026 11:31

ThatPeachFawn · 31/07/2026 09:29

Omg yes - that’s also what he wants to do. If I say I don’t want him to order for me he’ll say well let’s get starters and a main between us and we can share it. But then he suggests the meals we’ve to share!! It’s like he doesn’t want me to make a decision on my own. My ex partner was nothing like this and we split just because we drifted apart and wanted different things so I just wanted to be absolutely sure that this isn’t what normal men are like! 😐

Normal men let you place your order first, and if you order the potatoes they will order the chips so you have both on the table.

He's ridiculously controlling. Sharing a main that he chooses? Nope.

This was your first frog (more toad like). It's a steep learning curve and you have done well to notice the red flags and ask for reassurance so quickly.

Single women shouldn't need cameras for safety but unfortunately while men like him are out there and fire breathing dragons need more roaming space than a back garden, they are helpful.

Crikeyalmighty · 31/07/2026 11:34

MotherOfSoManyCats · 31/07/2026 10:43

Most men who say they have "a toxic ex-wife" are normally the problem themselves but won't take the blame - first red flag. Turning up uninvited and being so relaxed about it - flag no. 2. Having a daughter that won't speak to him - no. 3.

Please end this before its very hard to get rid of him.

I think for many ( not all) men, you become toxic the minute ‘you ‘ want out - I’m sure plenty of perfectly nice women on here are being described as ‘toxic ex partners/wives!

Sassylovesbooks · 31/07/2026 12:00

Definitely have a lock installed and cameras OP. It's always a red flag when a man states his ex is 'toxic'. Yes, she could very well be, as there are toxic women out there, the same as there are men. When you start adding in the fact his daughter has spoken to him for many years and he has 'no idea why', then that's a massive red flag.

Personally, given his lack of boundaries, and the other red flags of him wanting to order food for you etc, I would be contacting the police for a Clare's Law request. The reason I say this, is because my friend dated a man who's ex was 'toxic' and she'd 'stopped him from seeing his daughter'. When the Clare's Law information came back, he wasn't allowed contact with his daughter or ex, as there is a restraining order in place, due to controlling behaviour and violence.

Putting in the request will give you any information that may be relevant. If he is controlling and there's been intervention with the police before, you can then seek help to extract yourself from the relationship.

Sadly, men who push boundaries, use control etc don't generally just accept a relationship has ended. They can become nasty, aggressive and start stalking type behaviour. My friend's ex, who I mentioned above, lent her a phone, when hers mysteriously broke, he'd modified it, so every key stroke she made, he got sent a copy. He had lots of transcripts of messages she'd sent to friends (myself included) and family.

You need to end the relationship. Even without the red flags, he's too old for you.

LHP118 · 31/07/2026 12:05

Pistachiocake · 30/07/2026 21:22

Teenagers often think it's rude to turn up and knock at a door. For people his age, that is not abnormal (not being ageist, and I'm not saying everyone in those age groups does that, but it is true to say it's typical).
So I think you should have told him the first time you would appreciate a text, and please never just walk in. Only red flag if he repeats after you are clear.
His ex might be toxic and have poisoned their daughter. It happens. Or he might have abandoned them both and they are understandably upset-that happens too.
So give him a chance, but keep your eyes open and be clear on your rules-and watch whether he respects them.

Exactly this. As far as my experience goes

My friends who are older think nothing of just turning up...no warning.

Verv · 31/07/2026 12:26

Dominant, controlling and entitled.
Bin him, OP.

yetnothername · 31/07/2026 12:28

naturalbaby · 30/07/2026 22:18

Have you talked to him about it?
I don't see the age gap as a red flag - I'm in a relationship with very similar ages and he behaves like a younger man than my ex. It's a big factor but the bottom line is we enjoy each other's company and have fun together - laughing every day is more important to us than his age.

Toxic ex - depends. My partner has a toxic ex. He's not scared of anyone - can manage crowds, confrontation, difficult situations... but he thought he saw her in the local supermarket a few weeks ago and nearly jumped out of his skin. He's told me a lot about the divorce/breakdown of the marriage and how she behaved so some of it makes sense but I've seen him triggered plenty of times and remind myself in those moments there are 2 sides to every story.

No contact with the daughter would bother me and I'd definitely want to know more.

Well that could also be because he didn't want her to have the chance to fill you in. 😉

banmusk · 31/07/2026 12:33

He knows he is punching above his weight and he doesn't have much time to get you locked down and under control before you realize just have far out of his league you are.
He knows full well why his daughter doesn't speak to him but he won't tell you because it will make him look bad and put you off.

MrsSlocombesCat · 31/07/2026 12:38

I am 62 and I would not date a man aged 42 ... that's younger than my eldest son. Yuk.

DoloresDelEriba · 31/07/2026 12:39

FrauPaige · 30/07/2026 21:20

Get a lock on your garden gate, and bolt on the top and bottom, with padlocks. Probably £25 all in at Toolstation. This should be standard fit for anyone but especially for a woman living by herself.

What did you say to him when you felt quite annoyed?

This!

and get rid of him 👍🏻

GreyCarpet · 31/07/2026 12:46

No, OP, this is not the man for you.

My partner is 62. Hes a youthful 62 but I'm 52 and the age difference is noticeable on occasion.

I would have considered him an old man when I was 42, tbh.

When you add in all the other stuff - nope.

GrantMyWishes · 31/07/2026 13:04

Wow! How attitudes have changed! Admittedly I'm in my mid 60's, but to me so many of the reactions on here are way over the top. When I was dating, it wasn't unusual for the bloke to come and collect you from your home to take you on a FIRST date, so to be shocked that the OP's man friend knows where she lives after SIX weeks, seems really weird to me, and bearing in mind that he's not much younger than me, I can totally see why HE thinks it's OK to come and surprise you in your garden. I guess this is the reason why you should think hard before dating someone 20 years older than you OP, they have a whole different way of seeing the world, in fact, I guess it's a bit like dating your Dad, who I bet thinks differently to you on a lot of subjects, assuming of course that he's still around.

BatshitCrazyWoman · 31/07/2026 13:10

ShyMaryEllen · 31/07/2026 07:42

Like a postman, delivery driver, window cleaner? Do people really keep their gardens locked? How do those who need to get to the house do so?

I wouldn’t be happy with unannounced visits, but that’s a general need for privacy and the right to be on my own. Someone entering the garden isn’t in itself an odd thing to do, though - how do you get anything done when you are out/at work if the place is like Fort Knox?

FWIW, if you like him I would tell him you’d prefer arranged meetings to ‘surprise’ ones, and if he still does it I would dump him. It’s more than possible that he doesn’t realise he’s crossing a line though. Have you been to his house?

Postman, window cleaner and delivery drivers all ring the doorbell at the front door. The garden gate is locked.

I'm 62 and don't randomly turn up to people's houses, or just walk into their gardens. And our generation bloody invented a lot of tech the ageist posters think we don't really use. Bloody hell, the casual ageism on MN is rife!

I also tend to date younger men, current beau is 7 years younger.

Seajaye · 31/07/2026 13:10

Sound like you've gone off him, red flags or not. Don't date anyone who takes liberties with your time. Because turning up unannounced at your home, or place of work or anything like that is taking liberties .

GreyCarpet · 31/07/2026 13:18

I guess this is the reason why you should think hard before dating someone 20 years older than you OP, they have a whole different way of seeing the world, in fact, I guess it's a bit like dating your Dad, who I bet thinks differently to you on a lot of subjects

This is a very good reason for anyone to not date someone old enough to be their dad! 😁

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